Catcher Sammy Dominguez is the linchpin of John F. Kennedy's offensive attack.damion reid

John F. Kennedy outfielder Wilman Polanco is one of many Knights battling for a starting position. (damion reid)

Alex Torres returns seventh-ninths of his starting lineup, including catcher Sammy Dominguez, one of the city’s most feared power hitters. He has a deep pitching staff that makes the 14th-year coach smile and a stable of talented underclassmen.

So, why is Torres so unsure of this group?

“We have to find our Identity and not live off past history,” Torres said.

The Knights reached the PSAL Class A semifinals last year, losing to eventual champion Norman Thomas and stud right-hander Mariel Checo, who was selected by the New York Yankees in the 41st round of the MLB Amateur Draft.

On paper, Torres said, they are as good as anyone in the city, deep at almost every position. Thus far, talent hasn’t translated onto the field. There have been mental mistakes, players lacking baseball acumen. Part of that is the inability of Kennedy to get much practice time because of the inclement weather and limited gym access.

“That’s why I feel uncomfortable with all of the positions, we haven’t seen enough of the guys,” Torres said. “Last three [scrimmages], I’ve been moving people all over the field, inning after inning, and nobody has really gone out and taken a spot. Guys have to understand just because they were on the team last year doesn’t mean they are going to play.”

Of the eight field positions, only one – catcher, Dominguez’s position – is solidified, a rarity for Torres. Returning juniors Pedro Taveras (center field) and Isael Lagares (third base) both shined as underclassmen, but aren’t penciled in. Torrest expects the slick-fielding Taveras to win the job in center, but Lagares has academic issues he must iron out before the season’s outset.

Senior Jonathan Nevarez is Kennedy’s best defender. He played second base last year and Torres has toyed with him at shortstop, in place of graduated senior Frank Estevez, but that could weaken the Knights defensively at second. Torres said strong-armed junior Roulin Perdomo could play there. Senior Wilman Polanco started in the outfield last year, but he is being pushed by sophomore Williams Martinez, junior Brynner Castillo and freshman Erich Gonzalez.

Despite graduating top right-handers Yael Peralta and Bennie Fair, Torres loves his depth of arms. Senior Jonathan Rivera will be the staff ace, followed by 6-foot-4 senior righty Justin Moises, Martinez and fiery junior Raviel De Jesus. None of the four are exceptionally hard-throwers — though they do throw in the low 80’s — but they are all strike-throwers who mix it up and can pitch backwards. Dominguez will again be Kennedy’s closer.

“It’s pressure, but I know I can deal with it,” said Rivera, who was a spot starter and reliever last spring. “Because I’ve been here for four years, I already know what’s coming for the season.”

Dominguez has hit seemingly since he broke onto the scene as a freshman. As years have gone by, Dominguez has matured, too, willing to take a walk or move a runner over instead of swinging for the fences. He has taken a leadership role as a senior and captain, pushing his teammates during the offseason and imparting wisdom to the team’s younger catchers.

“Sammy’s been our best player for probably four years, even when we had a great team in 2007,” Torres said. “He’s going to go down as one of the great players at Kennedy.”

Dominguez is hoping this is the year Kennedy can finally climb the mountain and get to the city final. He has twice made it to the semifinals. Dominguez said he still thinks about the way last year ended, getting all the way to the final four, losing a heart-breaking opener to Norman Thomas before getting blown out in the second game.

“Horrible, we want revenge. Wish we could’ve gone all the way,” he said. “We’re not that good now, but we’re gonna be good. We’re gonna be unstoppable.”